Kano, 24 February, 2025- Following an alert of a highly pathogenic avian Influenza (H5N1) outbreak in poultry, commonly known as bird flu, in Kano state,  the World Health Organization ( WHO) has stepped up its support to the Government of Nigeria to prevent transmission of the virus to humans. While the virus spreads rapidly among birds, it also has the potential to infect mammals, including humans. It poses a significant threat to both animal and public health.

Juba - To improve capacity for treatment of infectious diseases and mitigate the risk of cross-border disease transmission, the Ministry of Health, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), has established and handed over an Infectious Diseases facility in the border of Nimule to the Magwi County Health Department.

The new 15 bed capacity facility is designed to bolster the country’s healthcare system by providing necessary resources and infrastructure to manage infectious diseases effectively and boosting infection prevention and control.

Uganda has entered a crucial 42-day countdown in its battle against the Sudan virus disease (SVD) outbreak, which belongs to the same family as Ebola virus disease.  This is a pivotal period that will determine whether the outbreak is officially declared over. 

Following the full recovery and discharge of all confirmed cases, the Ministry of Health, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, are ramping up efforts to sustain vigilance and prevent any new infections. 

Moyamba District, Sierra Leone – February 2025 – In a notable effort to revolutionize healthcare delivery, the Ministry of Health, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), conducted a comprehensive Quality Improvement (QI) training workshop in Moyamba District from February 17th to 21st, 2025.

Bengo, 22 February 2025 – The World Health Organization (WHO) participated in a high-level multisectoral field visit to Bengo led by the Minister of Health, Dr. Sílvia Lutucuta, to assess ongoing efforts in the fight against cholera. The visit included the Governor of Bengo, Antónia Nelumba, the Minister of Environment, Ana Carvalho as well as several deputy ministers, and key international partners, including the World Bank, Africa CDC, UNICEF, and the Red Cross. 

There is nothing as intriguing as getting firsthand information and experiencing the inner workings of a vital facility. Recently, I had the opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art HIV Testing Centre Lab, and I was truly impressed by what I saw. The lab’s advanced infrastructure and equipment are far beyond what I had imagined, offering a clear glimpse into the future of HIV drug resistance testing.

Biharamulo – The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, is making significant strides in enhancing the nation’s response to the ongoing Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak. These efforts are not only focused on improving national preparedness but also on fostering regional cooperation with neighboring countries to prevent the further spread of this deadly disease.

For more than twenty-five years of volunteering in his community, 55-year-old Celestino Mbambali has witnessed countless health emergencies, including cholera outbreaks. A qualified nurse by profession, he was always concerned about the lack of a health center in his neighborhood and, driven by his commitment to his neighbors, decided to take action.

Kagera - As Tanzania continues to battle the Marburg virus outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced a streamlined procurement and supply chain system to strengthen coordination among the various partner organizations involved in procuring and distributing medical supplies to the Kagera region.